Nausea and vomiting can be a symptom of many different conditions. It can occur in both children and adults. The causes of nausea and vomiting are quite similar, but there are several ways how you can control and treat nausea and vomiting. On the other hand, you should consult with your healthcare provider before using any treatment.
So, What’s The Difference between Nausea and Vomiting?
- Nausea is an uneasiness of the stomach that often accompanies the urge to vomit but doesn’t always lead to vomiting.
- Vomiting is the forcible voluntary or involuntary emptying of stomach contents through the mouth.
Some triggers that may result in vomiting can come from the stomach and intestines, the inner ear, and the brain.
Common Causes of Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting may occur together or separately. They can be caused by several physical and psychological conditions.
Nausea
The most common causes of nausea are intense pain, usually from an injury or illness, and the first trimester of pregnancy. There are also several other relatively common causes may include:
- Exposure to chemical toxins
- Motion sickness
- Food poisoning
- Emotional stress
- Indigestion
- Viruses
If you have gallstones, you’re also likely to feel nauseated. You may also find that certain smells bring on the feeling of nausea. This is a very common symptom during the first trimester of pregnancy, even though it can also occur in people who aren’t pregnant. Pregnancy-induced nausea usually goes away by the second or third trimester.
Vomiting In Children
The most common causes are viral infections and food poisoning. Conversely, vomiting can also be caused by:
- High fevers
- Overeating
- Severe motion sickness
- Coughing
Vomiting In Adults
Most adults seldom vomit. When it does occur, a bacterial or viral infection or a type of food poisoning usually causes vomiting. In some cases, vomiting can also be the result of other illnesses, especially if they lead to a high fever or headache.
Chronic Stomach Conditions
- Chronic or long-term stomach conditions can often cause nausea and vomiting. These conditions can come along with other symptoms such as constipation, diarrhea, and stomach pain. These chronic conditions include food intolerances, such as celiac disease, dairy protein, and lactose intolerance.
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common stomach condition that causes nausea, vomiting, bloating, heartburn, cramping, and fatigue. It occurs when parts of the gut become overactive.
- Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that commonly affects the intestines, although it can occur anywhere in the digestive tract. This disease is an autoimmune condition in which the body attacks its healthy gut tissue which causes nausea, vomiting, inflammation, and pain.
Lifestyle Choices
Certain lifestyle choices can increase your chances of experiencing nausea and vomiting.
It is possible to damage the gut lining by consuming large amounts of alcohol. The acid in the stomach can also react with alcohol. Both of these will likely cause nausea and vomiting. Excessive alcohol consumption can also lead to digestive bleeding in some cases.
Eating Disorders
A person with an eating disorder adjusts their eating habits and behaviors based on an unhealthy body image. It can cause nausea and vomiting. The eating disorder bulimia occurs when a person induces vomiting deliberately to purge the stomach of food. People with anorexia may also feel nausea due to starvation and excess stomach acid.
- Meningitis
- Appendicitis
- Concussion
- A brain tumor
- Migraines
Though rare, vomiting can sometimes occur as a symptom of a more serious condition. If you’re persistently vomiting, go see your doctor.
Treatments for Nausea and Vomiting
Treatments for nausea and vomiting depend on the cause. You may get treatment for the underlying problem. Some medications can treat nausea and vomiting. For severe cases of vomiting, you may need extra fluids through an IV.
There are things that you can do to feel better:
- To avoid dehydration, get enough fluids. If you are having trouble keeping liquids down, drink small amounts of clear liquids often.
- Eat bland foods. Prevent from eating spicy, fatty, or salty foods.
- Eat smaller meals more often.
- If you are pregnant and have morning sickness, eat crackers before you get out of bed in the morning.
- Avoid strong smells, since they can sometimes trigger nausea and vomiting.
Medication can be used:
- Ondansetron – this is an antiemetic drug that works by blocking the chemical messenger action in the brain responsible for nausea and vomiting. This medication prevents the onset of an upset stomach or throwing up.